Capital City: Ankara

Population: 86.341.000

Language: Turkish

Area: 783,562 km²

Currency: Turkish Lira

Time Zone: UTC+3

County Code: +90

Government: Republican Parliamentary Democracy

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January and February are the coldest months in Turkey, and the warmth of spring does not show itself till late March. The interior regions are covered in snow most of winter. It is the least busy time in the country, so visiting the cities such as Istanbul is great for a quiet trip. Packing up for the cold and the rain is highly recommended.

Occasional rains occur in the spring season in Turkey (April-May), but the weather is pleasantly warm, and nature is blooming. Temperatures vary around 60°F.

Summer, June-August, is the peak season in Turkey, especially for visiting the Mediterranean Coast. The weather is hot and dry in the south, making it a perfect time for soaking up in the sun and cruising in the sea. Sea temperatures are also warmer compared to the spring season.
In Istanbul and the inner regions, daytime temperatures may reach 80°F. The landmarks on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are busy, but Cappadocia has fewer crowds.

The weather does not cool down until mid-September, making it a great time to enjoy the beaches on the Mediterranean and avoid the crowds of the summer season. Similar to the spring months, September and October offer pleasant times for visiting landmarks across the country.Packing for the seasonal rains is recommended. Autumn is the best time to visit Turkey before the winter colds come.

Temperatures drop across the country in November and December, the average temperature being around 50°F. Rainfall is seen in coastal regions and Istanbul, as snow is dominant in the inner regions such as Cappadocia.

The Turkish love to eat out and it’s easy to see why! Turkish cuisine is filled with a unique blend of Eastern European, Central Asian and Middle Eastern flavours. Don’t let the clichés fool you; there is more to Turkish cuisine than shish kebabs!

No one does breakfast, or Kahvalti, quite like the Turkish. Expect to see the table covered in a variety of meze dishes and gastronomic delights served on small plates including cheeses to olives, eggs. breads and pastries.

A lot of Turkish food is regional, contrasting from one place to another with dishes that have plenty of variations using spices, meat, seafood and vegetables. Street food is very popular with cheap eats of döner, köfte, gözleme, pide and mussels’ being readily available.

The best time to visit Turkey depends on which regions you are planning to include in your trip. There are 7 regions in Turkey, each hosting countless historical and natural sites to add to your itinerary. Spring and fall seasons are usually the ideal time for Turkey tours. From early April to late May, temperatures are moderate, and the blooming nature has a lot to offer.

Similarly, September and October are perfect times for sightseeing, since the warmness of summer lingers on and popular spots are less crowded.

Turkish Culture has its share of interesting traditions that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world. Due to its proximity to diverse cultures and its vast history, you will discover remarkable samples of Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman influences around the country.

Turkish are renowned for being extremely friendly, polite and hospital. However, it is important to remember that while most Turkish cities are modern metropolises, Turks can still be quite traditional. The villages of Turkey tend to be more modest, with the sale of alcohol less common. Turkish bathhouses (Hamams) and Coffee Houses are popular pasttimes and traditions amongst the locals while nightclubs and bars are the standard form of entertainment for young Turks in the big cities.

Turkish people are seen to be polite and formal with both greetings and attire. The vast majority of the population in Turkey identify as Muslim and Islamic holidays, such as Ramadan, are recognised as public holidays. It is important to be aware and respectful of local customs.We strongly recommend wearing clothing that covers both from your shoulders to knees when visiting or nearby mosques and other religious complexes in Turkey. It is also recommended that female travellers carry a scarf on them to wear when visiting mosques.